Kiel Villalba blogs

Lately, I have been thinking why some things are not really falling into place. Things are not working the way I wanted it to be. Yes, a little happiness may fix it for a while, but still it’s not complete.

I’m writing this to apologize to list of people who I think I did something wrong. I hope you forgive me.

First to my parents, I’m sorry if I’m not being the son who you wanted me to be. I’m sorry for being jobless again. I enjoy being a tambay, but believe me I’m looking for a job. If ever, I will follow your advise for me to take CPE instead. You gave me quality education, I will not waste it. 

To my cousins, I apologize for not always being there. When we have a celebration, I always go away for my other friends where in fact we only see each other seldom. We are cousins, we are family. I promise I shall get back to you.

To my friends... To my current barkada to be specific, I’m deeply sorry for my offensive jokes which made me less human to your eyes. I’m sorry if I’m not the person who you think will fit to that circle of friends. You’ve been friends ever since and I should’ve mess with it. I’m sorry if you didn’t like my character and attitude. Don’t you worry, I’ll be matured enough.

I still cannot understand why people are labeling the DLSU Lady Spikers as “mayabang” and “bastos” everytime they show some swag while inside the court. Showing some swag and stare downs in every game is not new in the world of sports, not only in Volleyball.

Let us take a look at Mika Reyes’ case where haters kept on criticizing her for her stare downs everytime she or her team gets a point. I shall ask the haters, do you know her personally? In fact, there should not be an issue here since every player has his or her own way of celebrating a point. Yes, she may have done some stare downs during games but outside, she is friends with those other players. I have seen it with my own eyes especially during their tune up games. Also, coaches would not let players be enemies just because of a simple volleyball game. That act would defeat the value of sportsmanship. Have you seen the picture of Remy Palma and Mika Reyes after the series of stare downs?

There are other players in the past who have done more or even worse stare downs who are not from DLSU. Remember Angeline Gervacio (ADMU), Bea Pascual (ADMU), Michelle Segodine (AdU), and Mica Morada (FEU)? They were players too who showed some swags but there was never an issue with that. It even made those games exciting.

Another example, remember also Abigail Maraño? Back in her days, she was the emotional captain and one of the swag ladies of the DLSU Lady Spikers and yet she never had personal fights with other players. She used to exchange stare downs with former NU player Dindin Santiago but they are best friends in real life. Other players are even amazed with how she handles every game despite those actions.

I have also read comments about Mika Reyes that she is just bitter with Alyssa Valdez and Kiefer Ravena’s relationship that is why she acts like that every game with Ateneo. Such a STUPID and NONSENSE argument, I say. Mika Reyes does those stare downs in every game and in most players especially if the game is really tough.

I know I may get criticized and be labelled as bias for writing this since I graduated from DLSU. But let me tell you that I adore all players in the UAAP. They are the reason why volleyball is now a rising sport in the country. They also bring pride to the aspiring athletes out there. I used to play before and trust me, I never made enemies by just those “mayabang” moves while inside the court.

Read this before you judge me.

By the teachings of our parents, teachers, or elder ones, they would discourage people to drink and of course, use cannabis (or marijuana). They would label it as an evil thing to do or that it is like killing yourself. Yet, people would prefer drinking as a better vice than smoking cannabis. Everyone has this notion that using marijuana makes you a drug addict.

To be honest, I use both of it. I started drinking alcohol at a young age, around 13 years old. In college, I never missed a weekend without drinking anything. I learned how to smoke cannabis when I was in college too. At first, I was really hesitant because society labelled it as an illegal thing to do. I tried it out of curiosity and maybe to fit in that circle of friends. I only smoked just to have an experience. But now, I smoke regularly even though it is illegal and it might appear in the future if ever I undergo medical examination.

Now, do you wonder why cannabis is illegal in most countries? I think it’s really quite unfair. Here in the Philippines, when you get caught using or selling methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, you will go to jail but it’s bailable. Unlike for cannabis, it is not. I will end up in jail and it is not bailable case. Shabu is really an illegal drug but cannabis is a medical herb. (I just added this to give out a comparison)

Cannabis is present some prescription drugs that we use, but it’s illegal. How ironic, ei? Statistics show that hundreds or even thousands of people die every year because of drinking alcohol or even smoking tobacco. But smoking or using cannabis, it’s still zero. I read that right, it’s zero. In fact, some people are allergic to alcohol and to smoke of tobacco, but I don’t know anyone who became allergic to the smoke of cannabis.

Why do people judge users of cannabis? Why do they label them as addicts? Let me give you a definition of what is an addict. An addict is someone who cannot stop using a substance, typically illegal drugs and is often dependent to it. So you if drink too much, or as we say an alcoholic, it does make you an addict in alcohol right? I am just a user, not an addict. I hope this is clear.

I know artists, athletes, and scientists use cannabis regularly. They use it to perform better and I heard no news about having side effects in their bodies. Again, they are just users not addicts. Also, based on my readings, there are no or little side effects. I believe this is true since nothing, at least, bad is happening to me and to some of the people I know.

I wrote this not convince anyone to smoke cannabis or even to give out a full lecture about the benefits of using cannabis. I just want to point out the possible perspective and arguments of cannabis users. So to answer the title, alcohol or cannabis, I would go for both, but right now I prefer cannabis more than drinking. I think I had enough taking in alcohol into my body. I’m still balancing everything since too much is bad.

Well, just last December, after resigning from ABS-CBN, I wrote a message to college students about enjoying school and living it to the fullest. It was those days where I went back to being jobless and doing nothing. I went back to my usual activities, such as eating, sleeping, drinking, and many more that is not really productive. This one went for a while.

After 2 months, I finally got one.

Last February, I started working at AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines, a non-profit organization. It is quite tough working there because we are limited in the office and that the organization is still looking for more staffs. Also, it was tough because this is not really the line that I am comfortable with. I graduated with the specialization in mass media, yet I am stuck in the marketing and promotions of the organization.

For 15 days, I received my very first compensation. At first I thought the finance manager of the organization would just ask me to send money to a bank. She asked me to sign the paper. I was shocked when I read the paper – it was my pay slip. I did not know what to feel, and then I just signed it. I went home with a big smile on my face. I cannot believe that I earned money out of my own effort and sacrifices. It feels really good.

I gave some of my income to my mother to help out in the expenses of our household. I was able to treat out some of my friends. They say that you should treat out some people in your very first pay slip, and that is what I did. To those who did not experience it, sorry. Una-unahan lang yan!

But then, it is a struggle since I am still in my first month in the job. I am still used to sleeping and waking up late, so it was really a challenge for me. My mind is still not in the condition of working again since I did not do anything for months. I have to adjust with kind of environment I have now too.

Hey, guys! I know many of us really hated school so much. Most of us like to graduate immediately to have a job so that we don’t need to do those assignments. We are so tired of seeing those professors that give us tons of works. 

I’m writing this blog because I would like to share you my story and my realizations since I graduated college a few months back. I hate to admit it but I belong to that circle of people who is still unemployed. I hope this can inspire you a little.

I have a lot of regrets back in college. I should have joined a lot of organizations or attended more parties and seminars. I only joined one organization and I was never really that active. I’m that type of person who goes home after class, well, most of the time. I hate it because I was like that for the past 3 years of my life as a student. I never failed any subjects, but there are more things that I should have done. I realize now that college is more than just study then go home.

When I graduated, I was so happy because finally I escaped school. No more assignments! I thought life would be easier and that earning money will be my thing since I graduated already. I was wrong. 

Last December, I was accepted as a production associate at ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. or Star Cinema. I was really excited because this is what I’m really interested with. But, my work wasn’t that easy. I was really hard. I get very little sleep because that job requires long working hours. I only lasted there for a few days. And I kept on asking myself, was my decision bad? Is this really what I want?

So yeah, here I am, an official “tambay” in our household. I’m still looking for a job that suits me and what I can offer to that future company. I want to shout to the world that I really miss shcool.

To college students out there, enjoy your life while you are still in school. Your life will never be the same once you graduated. Enjoy the feeling of just getting your daily allowance and then you may do your thing. It is easier than earning for your daily allowance through working. Enjoy school but never take it for granted.

I don’t believe that grades doesn’t define you. It does, even just a little. Grades will reflect how responsible you are in handling assignments and tasks. I know grades are nothing but you will never fail if you put effort into it. You will carry this once who entered the world of work. And that companies will always ask for good grades.

I love music. Unfortunately, I did not learn how to play any instruments. My only weapon in the world of music is my voice. But still, I’m not the best singer. I even tried writing my own songs but I never finished it. As a music lover, everyone has his or her own favorite singers and song-writers. I really love slow pop and ballad genre. I live with it.

Here are my top 3 singers and reasons why I admire them.

3. Taylor Swift

I fell in love with Taylor Swift ever since she released her first album. I admire her style in song writing - it’s like reading her dairy. Not only she shares her experiences in her songs, but she leaves advice and messages to listeners too. Critics may have seen her flaws in singing, but I love her sweet voice. And yes, she refused to use auto-tune to correct her pitch. I just hope she takes on country pop again.

Favorite song: Fifteen

2. Ed Sheeran

This guy catches my ears everytime he sings. I admire him for being like the male version of Taylor Swift; no wonder they are best friends. I like Ed Sheeran’s voice when he sings high notes and cracking it down to a falsetto. You can feel a lot of emotions in all of his songs with his tenor voice. He can also sing any song genre which is a big thumbs up for me.

Favorite song: Give Me Love

1. Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake has an amazing voice that hangs me in the edge of seat. I’m fan of him since ‘N Sync days. He is a tenor but he does not sound like one. He hits high notes yet it sounds soft and sweet, especially the falsetto tones. If this guy was my father, I will always ask him to sing me lullaby before bed. 

For the past few weeks, the noon time show Eat Bulaga had better ratings. More people talk about the segments of Eat Bulaga, according my own home survey and discussions. The segment Juan For All, All For Juan includes Kalyeserye which covers the characters Yaya Dub, Alden, and Lola Nidora. The love team AlDub emerged. I personally didn’t know Kalyeserye until hearing it from other people that it is funnier than the other noon time show. I’m an AlDub fan. I totally love them. I find them really funny, that’s why I have listed some opinioned reasons why AlDub hits so much in the mass viewers.

It came out of nothing and developed. Sure, Kalserye may just be similar to the teen love stories that we always see in drama series, but this is different because of its added comedy. Kalyeserye was just an impromptu and really happened out of comedy. Eat Bulaga maximized that one comedy scene and translated it into a mini-daily series so that people will wait for it everyday.

It is a love story with a twist. Kalyeserye is not the ordinary love story that we always see in television. It has a mix of comedy and live interaction with people. This is I think one of beauties that Eat Bulaga is good at. Also, it may be a series, but the characters recognize that is just acting. When something goes a bit serious, the characters remind that it is just acting in comedic way. And it works for them; it makes it even funnier.

Eat Bulaga used social app. The social app Dubsmash is a very popular app in mobile phones. Eat Bulaga did a great job in putting Dubsmash to the segment to create a new type of comedy. Yaya Dub and Alden talk and respond using sounds to be dubbed which makes it appealing. It adds to the purpose of making viewers laugh.

Great impersonation works. Eat Bulaga has really good hosts that can handle comedy. Impersonation is one of the specialties of Eat Bulaga, and they used this in the character of Lola Nidora. We all know that impersonation is one of the best things to do when it comes to entertainment. Again, impersonation in the series recognizes they are just impersonating, so Lola Nidora is willing to manipulate the impersonation to make it funnier.

And of course, as much as we wanted Alden and Yaya Dub to meet, it never happened. This is the part which makes the series even more exciting. People will never miss any episode as the story goes on.

I’m pretty sure that when it comes to love life, some people have his or her preferences. People will be asked, “what is your ideal boy” or “what is your ideal girl”. Of course, people will answer it without hesitation. For boys, the usual words that will be answered are: kind, pretty, lovely, shorter than me; and for girls: handsome, caring, loyal, and taller than me and many more.

I’m single. I’m always been. I felt in love before but I haven’t experienced being in a true and committed relationship. I fell in love with the person as a whole. I never had an ideal girl to my life. It just happened. It was amazing. But here’s the thing, why having an ideal girl or boy should not be encouraged?

I don’t really encourage having ideal boy or girl because it is a bit dangerous. Having an ideal boy or girl is connected to infatuation. In infatuation, you only love someone just because he or she has this or that traits that fit to your standards. In other words, you only love the traits of that person, not the whole person. Love should come in two people, and infatuation makes love only for one person. It is a selfish act which means that that a person only loves what his or her eyes can see.

You might tell me, I have my ideal girl or boy with me right now. We love each other. I’m telling you, when the time comes that your boy or girl changes, will you still love him or her? I heard some people who break-up with lover when he or she changed look. It is a reality. Sorry.

If you really love someone, you just can’t explain it. You have this feeling of happiness or excitement to a person even though there are no exact words to describe it. You love someone because love them. Whatever happens to your love one, you will continue to love him or her even if his or her features change, or that person is not the same like before.

Everyone can sing, but not everyone can sing well. 

I enjoy singing. I’m not a good singer, I just know how. But since it’s one of my hobbies, I would always consider improving. I’m just a singer of my own even though I found out that I’m a tenor and I have a 2-octave vocal range.

Probably you’ve heard about issues being faced by non-singers for releasing albums. Like… non-singers are more popular than the real singers. Should non-singers deserve to have popularity and hits? This is not really a new issue to begin with.

Well, there is nothing wrong for non-singers to try singing. They have the freedom to learn and make this is a hobby for entertainment and leisure purposes. Singing for fun is okay but singing for formality is a different story.The problem only emerges when they release albums to be sold to the public. Singers react to this.

In a statement made by Lea Salonga, she said that non-singers release albums because of the demand of the public. She will not listen, recommend, or buy it. Obviously, there will be no supply if these kind of albums will have no demand.

I would agree with Lea Salonga. People have the mentality that if celebrities sang in show, he or she should release an album. An example of this is Danel Padilla, who sang at Gandang Gabi Vice. Thinking about it, I heard some celebrities sing and I can hear that auto-tune was used too much just to correct the pitch. When they sing live, all I can say is that their voice has a potential but is not good enough. They need a lot of training. Others do lip-sync if performing live which is not really good to see. Quite embarrassing for me. It seems celebrities release albums just for the profit and popularity. 

Singers worked really hard just be where they are. I guess the public should appreciate their work. Nowadays, people rely only on popularity and looks thus sacrifices the quality of music. Most celebrities who released albums took on reviving old songs. We can do better than that. 

“Naniniwala na ako sa forever, magmula nang makilala kita…”

James Reid? Really?! Is that even possible?

Oh man! This one of the biggest debates that teens cannot resolved – is there such thing as forever? There is no doubt that everyone has his or her own opinions. Others might say there is because they have a wonderful relationship. And there’s the other side saying that it doesn’t exist. Come to think of it, this is a shallow problem but it is mind boggling, ei?

Forever is subjective. Just like for us Lasallians, forever exists because we always recite it to complete the sentence “Live Jesus in hearts…” And of course for math and science, forever is something that is unattainable because it is beyond our own the limits. These two doesn’t talk about much about love.

I have my own view regarding the existence of forever, but I shall focus on attributing forever in relationships. I know I may not be in the right shoes to answer this question as I myself have not fully experienced being in a relationship. To answer the question, “does forever exist”, I say yes and no.

First, forever does not exist… physically. Just like what others say that walang forever because everyone will die. Dying is inevitable. Things will change and fade away. Yes, I cannot disagree with that. Forever in physical things will never exist. Even though you love someone with all of you, he or she will die. Others end their long relationship. How sad… but we must accept it. There is no forever physically, but there is a lifetime.

Since I have brought the word “lifetime”, I would definitely say that forever also exists. May forever po! Okay, let’s say that there is no forever because everyone dies. But in the lifetime you had with your partner, you felt forever love, right? Forever exist ideally.

Hazel Grace once said in the film The Fault in Our Stars, “You gave me forever within the numbered days.” See? Haze and Augustus did not live happily ever after but they managed to feel like there is forever. Forever in love can also be felt; even though we know that nothing is permanent.

To further give ideas, I say that you got your forever when you loved someone and that someone struck you in every way. You love that person despite his or her absence. You will never love someone, only him or her.

So to do those who say that walang forever because of a break-up or who never experienced a relationship, I don’t think you have found your forever. You should be ready to face your forever. Facing forever takes a lot of maturity and responsibility. Look at those who old couples who are still in love with each other. They found their forever, took care of it, and now look at them. They are so happy. They might die, but I assure you, there is forever in them.

Just to weigh everything in, is there forever? I would say yes. More yes than no.

Some piece of advice to everyone, forever and love is pretty much the same. Love is more than just a feeling, but it is also a choice. If you felt your forever, choose it. Choose forever and take care of it no matter what. Choose to love properly and forever is guaranteed!

We do have our own weird and deep secrets. That is why I’m going to share it.

1. I’m 100% Filipino. So probably I only know how to communicate in English and Filipino. But few people may know about me is that I can read and write Hangul, the Korean alphabet. I can’t really communicate in Korean language. I learned writing the alphabet during second year high school, the year where K-Pop wave started. I just learned this by myself.

2. I always write in English. I use English in my tweets, blogs, statuses, and etc. People might think this is I’m so good with. However, I’m majoring in Filipino in college. How ironic, right? I write in English yet I study Filipino. Also, when you’re talking to me in person, I can’t speak in straight English. 

3. My primary sport is volleyball. But it is not my first sport, it was soccer. I played soccer in forth grade, and I ended up playing volleyball in seventh grade after I got into a circle of friends. Read my other blog to know more about it.

4. I’m quite good at giving advice about relationship, but I never experienced being in a true relationship. So yeah, sometimes we do have that one friend who is good at giving advice but is always single... and that includes me.

5. I have stage frights, but I love acting and singing. I don’t know but my legs shake whenever I’m in front of a lot of people. Acting and singing may be a hard thing to do but I appreciate it so much.

6. I have phobia with cockroaches. Hmm.. it’s more on I hate it! I really hate it when I see cockroaches, especially the flying ones. I freak out and sometimes scream when I see these creepy buddies flying and touched my skin. Now you know my weakness :(

7. At the age of 20, I still don’t know how to drive a car and motorcycle or scooter. We have our own family car but I never experienced driving it, or even holding it. Maybe in time I will learn it. I will be having a job soon!

8. I was born and raised as a Catholic but I never go to mass and pray. I guess we do have our own beliefs and philosophy in life especially now I learned a lot in school. I believe in God but I’m doubting. This is a sensitive topic, so let’s just leave it?

9. I don’t eat catsup. I only eat catsup when it is mixed in food such as pizza, burger, and sandwiches. Catsup as a dip-in? Oh no no! Well, my mom and I agree so much in this thing.

Volleyball is my sport. I’m addicted to it. I would play it when I have time or when there is a chance. I would even watch volleyball games live especially during the UAAP season. I know I’m not as good as those professional players who fly high when they do a spike or run like The Flash when they are chasing the ball. I just play it because I love it.

Well… How did it start?

I never really had a sport when I was a kid. I played the traditional Filipino kids games such as “langit-lupa”, “tale-talean”, “bang-sak”, “sili-sili” and the like instead. I never thought of having a legit sport because I came from a simple lower middle-class family. I like to play in the streets at that time. My father was a basketball player but I never liked it. He taught me the basics of basketball, and it didn’t work. “I don’t know”, is the common answer you will get if you ask me why I don’t like it. I guess there are some things that can’t be explained because… it’s just like that!

Did you know that volleyball is not my first sport? I noticed volleyball as early as second grade because my cousin was a varsity player in his school. But it was limited to just that; I just knew it. In forth grade, I got friends with students who love football. They taught me how to play it. I remember, my mom would always find me every dismissal playing soccer with my friends. So yeah, that was first sport. I never experienced being in a varsity team, except in intrams, because I have no time and that my mom did not allow me. She said it is a very expensive sport. So come fifth grade, and I’m not friends with them any longer. I’m back to being a no-sports-guy again. It just continued for a long time. How horrifying.

In my sixth grade, I got a new circle of friends. That was the best circle of friends in my entire childhood! They are the ones who introduced me volleyball. They love volleyball so much. I didn’t play with them at first because I’m a bit shy. I would just watch them, but I knew I was enjoying it. I told myself, maybe I have a chance to embrace this.

Luckily in seventh grade, we were classmates again. I had a bit of confidence at that time so joined volleyball with them during intrams. I knew I’m still stupid. I can’t serve ball well and I can’t receive the ball properly. Our section lost in the first game which meant we were out of the league. I blamed myself for losing the very first game. I saw how my teammates worked and I just messed it up.

I promised to myself that it will not happen again. I started watching UAAP games on TV and have my parents to buy me a volleyball. I would imitate what I see on TV so that I would improve. During summer, my friends set a volleyball net at a vacant lot near my residence. I would joined them everyday and play as hard as I could. And yes, it did improve my skills at least.

To test my skills, I joined volleyball again in intrams during my first year in high school. I knew I would do better. I was the co-captain. We got bronze in that league. It was an achievement for me because I proved to myself that I can do better. The situation during seventh grade did not happen again. You might be wondering if I joined the varsity team, the answer is no. For the next three years in high school, I never got a place again. But some of my batchmates would see me as a good player, especially in my forth year where I learned rollings of a libero. It was an amazing feeling. This continued until my PE class in college, where students and even the varsity players noticed me as one of the go-to-players of my section.

For now, I just play it out for being healthy and for fun. I joined some leagues even though the competitions are tougher than in school. There are a lot players who are way better than me. I still play with them sometimes to experience their skills. Maybe there could still be grounds for improvement but there are more responsibilities to face. But still, I’m happy that I could finally share something to others; something that I love. I hope that someday kids of today will become better players, not specifically in volleyball but other sports too.

It all started when I was bored, laying down on my bed, and only with my iPhone as a companion. As a normal young adult, I would usually just check my social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I came across a prank video on Facebook about a Russian Mafia. It made me laugh so hard. And so I browsed for more pranks in YouTube to satisfy my sudden hunger for pranks and entertainment.

I was able to find the original uploader of the Russian Mafia prank by a channel named Normel TV, created by two Russian guys living in Stockholm. I would find them so cool because of their other pranks and catchy Russian accent. I even managed to create a channel just to comment and subscribe.

As I was browsing, it came to my mind that I had a YouTube channel before. It was deleted because of violating terms and copyright dispute. That was in 2009. I was only 14 at that time! I also remembered Ryan Higa and Smosh who are so good in making funny videos. They were my idols… until now. Well, I knew I was outdated of the current YouTube stars or as we call it “YouTubers”.

Then a channel caught my attention. The profile picture of the channel presents a guy in red polo while doing weird face. It has the channel name of ThatcherJoe. So I thought, maybe this guy is a comedian. I went through to his channel and found out that his real name is Joseph Sugg, an English, and that he is a vlogger. I watched his videos about pranks, vlogs, challenges, and more. I also got to know Caspar Lee, a South African, his roommate and best friend, and they kept on stalking, pranking, and being wild with each other. I see my friends in them who doesn’t care about the world when they are having fun. That I could also say as “best friend goals”.

I honestly got addicted to them. I watched almost all their videos at home, work, or school. My knowledge about being a fanatic on YouTubers went large before I knew it. I got to know and subscribe to Marcus Butler, Zoella, Alfie Deyes, Oli White, Connor Franta, Tyler Oakley, and many more. They are so entertaining! 

I watched one of the videos of Joe which says that they were coming to Manila. I searched about it and knew that Manila will be having the YouTube Fan Fest. I was sad because I know I couldn’t come. I don’t have much resources and time to attend those kind of events. I ended up just watching the event on YouTube itself. But I’m still happy that Joe and Caspar was able to go here and interacted with the local YouTubers. I really hope they enjoyed Manila and how amazing it is.

Come to think of it, I could be like them someday. I do admit that I don’t have a fancy camera and huge knowledge about video editing. But now, I’m learning how to edit videos and I think it is working. I’m also saving so I could buy a good camera. As of this moment, I successfully uploaded two videos in my channel. One of which is a sample video and the other is a vine video featuring my cousin. I’m still thinking of new ideas for the new video that I will upload soon.

I will continue doing this for now. It doesn’t matter if I don’t have subscribes yet or my video sucks. I’ll just keep doing what makes me happy and adventurous at the same time. Of course, everything starts from the bottom, right?

So I guess this is another exploration for me to conquer since I’m always fascinated to media and music. Maybe someday I would find my track just like them. I will keep dreaming too.

At 3:48 pm, the train where I was in left Taft Ave. station. Usually, it takes around 15 minutes from Taft Ave. station to Shaw Blvd. station. However, during that trip, the train arrived Shaw Blvd. station at 4:32 pm. Almost an hour, ei? How did that happen?

Well, as soon as the train left, the speed was very slow as hell. From Taft Ave. station to Ayala Ave. station, the train ran very slow at estimated 10kph, far from the average speed of 50-60kph. I don’t know what was wrong but everyone was pissed, including myself.

I heard a passenger said, “Pagong ang takbo! Tapos grabe ang siningil sa'tin!” She is right!

To the driver, shame on you! We ride the train despite the unfair fare hike because we want a fast transportation. You should have announced what was happening so people won’t be reacting like a monster. 

I'm a student. Everyday, I travel, I meet people, and get stressed most the time. Going back and forth to school and home, I always ride the LRT Line 1 and MRT Line 3. Well, if you're a student from DLSU-Manila, you can relate with me...ish.

As I've observed in my everyday struggle to ride these trains, I can see that Filipinos, or perhaps other people, would do something that is not really pleasing to me. People tend to forget basic courtesy and manners. All you can say is GROOOSSSS!

I provided a list of what I see wrong. Perhaps I could provide a solution.

1. Yawning. ALL OF THE TIME, I see people yawning without covering their mouth. It's okay to yawn if you're alone or in your private place. Always cover your mouth if you're going to yawn. We don't want to see your rotten teeth and smell your bad breath! I know it's a good stress reliever, but minimize the sound so you can't disturb other people.

2. Poking the nose. Gross! I do remember an old guy in the MRT poking his nose in public. As in.. argh! I can't imagine where will he place the booger after removing it. Pipitikin ba? Or patid na lang kahit saan? People! If you can't resist poking your nose, use your handkerchief or find a lavatory and do your thing in front of a sink to wash it easily.

3. Give way! I also observed that people seems to be forgetting the "keep right" rule. In stairs or hallways, people tend to walk anywhere they want. For escalators and stairs, always keep the left side open for rushing people. This rule applies to hallways too for people going to the opposite direction.

4.  Fall in line. There are times where trains arrive late so the line goes really long. I really want to punch people who would overtake the line. Imagine yourself, falling in line, waiting for the train, then someone would overtake. Of course, you will react badly. Please! Please! Be patient.

5. Maybe the thing that really freaks me out is when people smells like cigarette. I'm not really against smokers, but please be considerate. If you're going to smoke please make sure the smell will not stick to your body or to your breath. Some people, including me, is allergic to smell of cigarette.

Feeling guilty? Haha.

Kilalang-kilala ang Pamantasang De La Salle (DLSU) dahil sa pasilidad nito, reputasyon sa larangan ng pampalakasan, akademya, at marami pang iba. Ngunit marami akong naririnig sa ibang tao na ang mga mag-aaral daw ng DLSU ay mga taong mayayaman, Ingles lang ang kanilang ginagamit na wika, sosyal, at walang pakialam sa ibang tao. Mali po sila.

Ito ang mga dahilan kung bakit mali ang kanilang akala…

1. Kaming mga Lasalyano ay mga Filipino, at hindi mga dayuhan! Oo, may mga international student na nag-aaral sa pamantasan pero kaunti lamang sila. Hindi lang Amerikano ang nandoon! Karamihan pa sa kanila ay magagaling magsalita ng Filipino. Maaaring Ingglisero ang ilan pero Filipino pa rin ang pangunahing wikang ginagamit ng mga mag-aaral. Higit sa 15,000 ang mag-aaral ng DLSU.

2. May mga subject kaming Komunikasyon sa Filipinohiya (FILKOMU),Pagsulat sa Iba’t Ibang Larangan at Disiplina (FILDLAR), at Wika at Kultura (WIKAKUL) na mula sa Departamento ng Filipino. Kahit na ang default language ng DLSU ay Ingles, lahat kami ay kailangan kunin ang mga subject na ito at ipasa.

3. Mayroong kursong AB Philippine Studies, Major in Filipino in Mass Media ang inaalok ng pamantasan. Ito ang kaisa-isang kursong mula sa Departmento ng Filipino. Layunin nito ang pag-aralan ang penomenon sa kultura, wika, at mass media ng Pilipinas gamit ang wikang Filipino. Stable ang programa dahil may mga estudyanteng kumukuha nito at isa rin ito sa pinakamaingay sa pamantasan pagdating sa mga isyu.

4. Ingles ba kamo? Ginawaran ang Departamento ng Filipino ng “Center of Excellence" ng Comission on Higher Education (CHED) at kaunti pa lang nakatatanggap ng ganitong pagkilala sa buong Pilipinas. Sa tingin niyo, kung puro Ingles lang ang DLSU, paano ito nagawa?

5. Hindi lahat ng nag-aaral dito ay mayayaman. Nag-aalok din ang DLSU ng mga scholarship tulad ng Vaugirard Scholarship Program para sa mga mag-aaaral na gustong makapasok sa DLSU na hindi kaya dahil sa mahal ng matrikula.

6. Sa mahal ng matrikula, ang kaunting bahagi nito ay napupunta sa social action. Hindi man kami direktang tumutulong, ang kaunting salaping iyon ay may mararating. Isama na rin natin dito ang NSTP-CWTS at The Filipino Christian in a Changing World (TREDTWO) community engagement. 

7. Hindi rin pahuhuli ang balita! Ang opisyal na pahayagan ng DLSU ay ang Pahayagang Plaridel na nakasulat sa Filipino. Kahit sino ay pwedeng maging miyembro basta’t may kakayahan kang magsulat ng balita o ano pang artikulo sa pahayagan gamit ang sariling wika.